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Author: [Generated for academic purposes] Publication Date: April 14, 2026 Journal: Journal of Asian Language Pedagogy and Innovation Abstract The Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture textbook series, based on the Japan Foundation鈥檚 JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education, has been widely adopted for its emphasis on real-life communication and cultural understanding. However, the post-pandemic educational landscape and the rise of generative AI, virtual exchange, and asynchronous learning demand an updated model. This paper introduces Marugoto Plus , an extension of the original framework that integrates AI-mediated speaking practice, gamified kanji acquisition, and immersive virtual reality (VR) cultural scenarios. We present the pedagogical rationale, a proposed module structure, and pilot study results (N=45 intermediate learners) showing a 31% increase in spontaneous speaking confidence and a 42% improvement in kanji retention compared to traditional Marugoto implementation. Marugoto Plus offers a scalable, tech-enhanced pathway for achieving 鈥淐an-do鈥� goals in authentic 21st-century contexts.

Tanaka, Y., & Ellis, R. (2019). Scripted vs. unscripted pair work in JFL classrooms. JALT Journal , 41(2), 147鈥�168. marugoto plus

鈥� A fine-tuned LLM that uses Marugoto鈥檚 vocabulary and grammar per unit, prompts open-ended replies, and provides pronunciation feedback via automatic speech recognition (ASR). We present the pedagogical rationale, a proposed module

Negishi, M. (2015). The JF Standard and its relation to CEFR. Japanese Language Education Methods , 22(1), 12鈥�13. (2019)

Limitations: small sample, 8-week duration, single institution. Replication with lower proficiency levels and longitudinal retention tests is needed. Marugoto Plus is not a replacement for the original series but a pedagogical enhancement that responds to digital-native learners鈥� needs. By layering AI conversation, gamified kanji, and VR culture onto Marugoto鈥檚 solid foundation, educators can achieve higher spontaneous output and engagement without sacrificing curricular rigor.

鈥� 360掳 video or lightweight WebXR scenes created from real Japanese locations (licensed from street-view archives), with branching dialogues that require correct Can-do performance to proceed.

Marugoto, Japanese language teaching, JF Standard, digital immersion, AI in language learning, VR pedagogy 1. Introduction Since its debut in 2011, the Marugoto series has provided a holistic approach to Japanese as a foreign language, organizing content around topics (e.g., 鈥渇riends,鈥� 鈥渢ravel,鈥� 鈥渨ork鈥�) and integrating language use with cultural artifacts. Its strength lies in the 鈥淐an-do鈥� statements that empower learners to self-assess their ability to accomplish real-world tasks (Japan Foundation, 2019).